The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1887-12-23
The Power of Christmas.


have attached themselves thereto, has been
strangely eXemplified in many instances.
One of these, although of an exceptional if
not abnormal sort, occurred annually for at
least ten successive years in the largest of
our Southwestern cities. Mr.. S. 1--WE can
not further reveal his name) q resident of
that place, and at the age of fifty success
full factor and millionaire, met in his youth
with violent disappointment in love- which
seemed to have poisoned every drop of blood
in his body, and to have embittered the
springs of naturally warm, sympathetic
temper at their innermost sources. Indeed,
many circumstances might have been
thought to prove that even his brain was
somewhat unhinged. Thereafter, he went
abroad with yellow, jaundiced face, and
the manners of u surly bear. He cut his &C
quainlances and bis friends, ignored his near
est relatives, slept in the upper room of a
dingy sailors lodging house, and devoted
his whole time to the making of money The
richer he grew, the more uusocal, miserly
and morose were his habits
But, when Christmas came, a magical
change wouf be remarked in the personal
appearance, The bearing, the entire spirit of
our Timon. Even his complexion looked
less yellow, and his eyes, hidden generally
under penthouse brOws, emerged into the
nevo!enCe.
For the whole of Christmas week his char
table activity was unceasing. Through his
personal exertions and by the help of agents,
b" gathered together each day no less than
thirty persons, who, if not exactly 1.-The halt,
the lame, and the blind" were, at any rate,
OF the most destitute and torlorn description
To these he gave sumptuous dinner in the
best apartment of first-class restaurant
The name Of every guest with his place of
abode and business, if he had either, was care
fully noted on a card and, when the doors
OF the dining-roOm were thrown open, each
person was announced as tremendously to
MIR. s., seated ut the head Of the table, as
if il we're royal reception.
If any of the guests upon the strength of
this days hospitality, sought their host after
wards, and applied for help, no matter of
what kind, they would invariably meet with
icy Indifference, or the most brutal cOntume-
ly.
As already limited, this odd creature may
have been-probably was-insane; still,
what commentary upon the heart-awakening
power of the great Christmas festival were
the results of the blessed season, as they af-
tccted his conduct and policy.
Through the thick folds of madness and
misery, of a hard selfshDess and cruel spirit.
ual isolation, it pierced to the core of that
humanity which rested latent in the mans
nature, and for one little wetk he lived the
pure, wholesome life of charity and lber-
ated affection.
That fragment Of right existance, that little
term Of action crrried over to Heavens side,
may inscnsiby have lain a sweetening
drop, at the bottom of his sordid days, and
prevented his whole soul from souring and
becoming meet for perdilion.
RecOllcctions of Happy Christmas in
Hartford.
For Tile 4tgiS and Mteligemcer:
1t is Christmas eve. The clock has struck
ten. The old fireplace m intel is festooned
with chidren's stockings. The room is not
luxurious but there is an air of comfort and
the clean and tidy clothing of the little ones,
hanging on various pegs, displays here and
there neat patches, suggestive of valiant
struggle on the part of the mother to do her |
part towards making both ends meet"
In the corner of the room stands cedar
tree covered with toys and candies. The
children, who have long ago been tucked
in bed by the loving hands of mother, are
sleeping the sweet and peaceful sleep of
childhood. Visions of Santa Claus, drawn
by prancing reindeer, fit across their slum-
beers, and as the night is far spent they
awaken to the gladness and joy of Christmas
morning.
Father calls and down they come, two
steps at time. The fire is blazing brightly |
and they eagerly look around the room
Father says in all seriousness, 81 wonder if |
Santa Claus came out last nightP" They |
sCamper towards the stockings and the 10y |
of their countenances and ordinations of in |
nocent delight can he appreciated by those
only who have experienced it, They inves-
tigate in all haste the contents of their stock |
ings, which are varied and interesting in the |
highest degree. Oranges, candy, watch |
and chain, a top, a whistle, pop-gun; cakes |
cut in the shape of animals or birds. How |
simple these things, but what joy and sun |
shine they bring to the hearts of the chill |
dren! They gather around the tree. What
wonderful tree to bear so many kinds of |
fruit all at the same time While their
children are thus made happy the hearts of |
father and mother are full OF gladness.
The above is a pretty true picture OF my
childish experience of a happy Christmas in
Hartford, about thirty years ago, for was
born and raised in this county. No doubt in
picturing my own, have also given the eX-
perienCe of many others. 1t seems but a
Il short time ago as we look back, and yet
many of us now occupy places as heads of
families whose duty il is to minister to the
happiness of those whom God has entrusted
to us. Let us, by recalling those innocent
indulgences which delighted our childhood,
learn what will give pleasure to our children
and make their little hearts rejoice in this
season of general merriment. Z. N. B.
BrainwOrk and Handicrart.
DIR. Oliver Wendell Holmes during the
hii nj 10 |
toned to rest his brains by working with his
hands. Under the great library table was
smaller one, which was a miniature work
shop, fitted with a turning lathe and tools,
with which the poet made boxes, brackets
and toys for his friends.
The little shop moved on a tiny railway
track in the fl or, so that on the approach of
a visitor who could not appreciate "iim-
cracks" the doctor could push the table
tools and all, under the larger one entirely out
of sight.
The majority of brain workers have had
some pursuit, taste or hnndicraft which reliev.
ed the tension on the brain of steady appli-
cation in one direction. Sometimes, as in
the case of Mr.. Gladstone's tree chopping or
Mr.. Hawthorn's potato digging, it was severe
physic Il exertion that gave rest to the mind,
but oftener it was the employment of the
fingers and brain in some lighter work than
the daily craft. Hans Andersen cut paper
figures with marvellous skill one of the great
Russians novelties makes clay pipes of every
shape and one Of the most eminent clergy.
men in this country dabbles in chemistry, and
has nearly blown up his family ON several &C.
casiOns.
Parents and teachers arc often annoyed by
the persistent devotion of boys to some
pursuit which can never serve them as
means of livelihood, taste for drawing,
music or animals. Keep it in its place and
you have provided hobby which may serve
rs safety valve for an over taxed brain or
nervous system. The young man with regu-
lar occupation and taste which gives him
rest and pleasures enters life not with one
staff but with two.
Origin Of Two Phrases.